Category Archives: Legal Services

Deepfake technology and AI pose serious ethical and privacy risks in court reporting, threatening the integrity of legal proceedings. AI bias can reinforce systemic injustices, while deepfakes challenge evidence authentication. Privacy concerns arise as sensitive legal data becomes vulnerable to cyber threats. To safeguard truth and democracy, legal professionals must implement verification tools, ethical AI training, and stronger security regulations to prevent manipulation and maintain trust.

Court reporting is at a crossroads, much like the music industry once was. By embracing technology, offering high-value services, and expanding into new markets, court reporters can secure their place in the future. Leveraging branding, subscription models, and AI as a tool rather than a competitor will ensure the profession remains relevant. Just as musicians adapted, court reporters can evolve and thrive in a changing landscape.

Court reporters are at a pivotal moment in their industry. By decoupling from traditional agencies, they can take control of their careers, increase earnings, and build direct relationships with clients. Embracing a direct business model offers flexibility, efficiency, and autonomy, positioning court reporters for success in a rapidly changing market.

Despite the rise of AI-driven transcription, court reporters remain essential due to their unmatched accuracy and expertise. While digital transformation is reshaping the industry, tools like Eclipse by Advantage Software empower reporters, rather than replace them. With proper training, court reporters can harness technology to enhance efficiency while preserving professional standards.

The court reporting industry is facing a crisis of integrity, with corporate entities prioritizing profits over accuracy. Unlicensed digital recorders and misleading practices are leading to flawed transcripts, jeopardizing justice. Attorneys, judges, and policymakers must take action to restore transparency, demand certified stenographers, and hold companies accountable for deception.

Court reporting Facebook groups can be invaluable resources for learning and support, but toxic behaviors can undermine their potential. In some communities, making mistakes, asking questions, speaking up, and offering new ideas can lead to ridicule or discouragement. By recognizing these toxic patterns and fostering positive, constructive environments, court reporters can protect their mental health, stay motivated, and continue to thrive in their profession.

The future of stenographic court reporting is under threat from corporate giants like Stenograph and Veritext, backed by private equity firms. Their push for automation and cheaper alternatives threatens the accuracy, professionalism, and job security of skilled stenographers. If we allow this, we risk losing a vital part of the legal system. It’s time to take a stand and save stenography before it’s too late.

Assertiveness is key in court reporting, where precision and professionalism are paramount. Striking the right balance ensures that your needs are met without diminishing others. Whether clarifying details, setting boundaries, or addressing mistakes, assertiveness helps you maintain credibility while fostering strong, respectful relationships in the legal field. Mastering this skill will enhance your career and reputation.

When NFL kicker Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys missed practice for jury duty, it highlighted how even high-profile athletes aren’t exempt from civic responsibilities. Aubrey’s situation sheds light on the unique intersection of professional sports and everyday obligations, reminding us all that justice calls for everyone, no matter their career.

These are just a few of the names in the fight to preserve stenographic court reporting, an industry under siege by the rise of digital recording and artificial intelligence. While automation is often heralded as the inevitable future, stalwart professionals are proving that there’s a human element to this industry that cannot be replaced.

The court reporting industry, despite being predominantly female, faces significant gender-based challenges, including wage disparities, underrepresentation in leadership, and persistent biases. Women’s contributions are often undervalued, limiting career advancement and economic equity. Addressing these issues requires policy reforms, mentorship programs, and greater advocacy for fair compensation. By challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, the industry can pave the way for a more equitable future for women in the profession.

Court reporting agencies exploit reporters through unfair pay structures, hidden fees, and delayed payments, leaving many struggling financially. Reporters often work long hours without guaranteed pay, while agencies take excessive cuts from transcript fees. Blacklisting and lack of legal protections further suppress complaints. To combat this, transparency, regulation, and collective action are needed to ensure fair compensation for these essential professionals in the legal system.

Freelancing as a court reporter offers flexibility, independence, and high earning potential. Unlike full-time court reporters, freelancers can choose their assignments and set their schedules. Opportunities extend beyond courtrooms to depositions, board meetings, arbitrations, and captioning services. Income varies based on experience and specialization, with top professionals earning high six-figure incomes annually. Success requires networking, marketing, and ongoing skill development in this dynamic and rewarding career.

The concept of “Responsible Charge” has safeguarded the integrity of the engineering profession by ensuring direct oversight and accountability. The court reporting industry can adopt a similar framework to reinforce ethical standards, accuracy, and public trust. By requiring court reporters to take direct responsibility for their transcripts, oversee technological processes, and commit to professional development, the industry can enhance its role as a critical pillar of the judicial system.

California’s new Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA), effective January 1, 2025, mandates written contracts and ensures court reporters receive payment within 30 days of invoicing. Signed by Governor Newsom, the law protects freelancers from late payments and unfair treatment. Court reporters should familiarize themselves with these provisions to safeguard their earnings, enforce timely payments, and maintain compliance with this important legislation.

AI in court reporting is often praised for speed and efficiency, but its risks outweigh its benefits. It lacks human judgment, misinterprets legal nuances, and threatens confidentiality. Court reporters provide accuracy, cultural awareness, and ethical oversight—qualities AI cannot replicate. Over-reliance on automation endangers legal integrity and jobs. Instead of replacing professionals, the legal system must prioritize human expertise to ensure fairness, precision, and security in legal proceedings.

Court reporters are critical to the legal system, but there’s a growing trend to minimize our work by referring to it as a “gig.” While some report high earnings, many of us face fluctuating incomes, high self-employment costs, and no stable salary. Flaunting our earnings risks undermining our profession and could lead to more support for automation. We must emphasize the expertise and dedication that make our work valuable beyond just the pay we receive.

Many businesses assume they can bypass U.S. tax laws by hosting events abroad, but this is a misconception. If operations, planning, or transactions occur within the U.S., tax obligations may still apply. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and even classification as a transnational criminal organization. Understanding federal and state tax laws is essential to avoiding serious financial and legal consequences.

AI is transforming industries by enhancing efficiency and accuracy, including in court reporting. While AI cannot replace the expertise of court reporters, it assists with legal research, terminology verification, and managing attorney contact details. AI streamlines workflow by automating routine tasks, allowing court reporters to focus on accuracy and transcription quality. This collaboration between human skill and AI ensures reliable, high-quality transcripts essential to the legal system.

Stenographers remain irreplaceable in the legal field, ensuring accuracy, trust, and confidentiality that AI cannot match. Unlike machines, they adapt in real time, discern context, and uphold the integrity of legal records.

California’s ongoing debate over electronic court recordings centers around the failure of SB 662, which sought to legalize such systems, and the CCRA’s legal victories. The Los Angeles Superior Court’s controversial decision to implement electronic recordings despite Government Code § 69957 raises concerns about accuracy, legality, and fraud. With implications for the future of court reporting, this issue could spark a constitutional crisis with nationwide repercussions.

The Los Angeles Superior Court’s recent move to replace licensed court reporters with electronic recording systems violates California law and threatens the integrity of the legal process. Critics argue the decision is part of a manufactured shortage of reporters. The California Court Reporters Association calls for an immediate reversal to no response from the court.

Steno imposters are infiltrating the legal profession, posing as qualified court reporters while lacking the necessary skills or certifications. These fraudsters use forged credentials, tech tools, or subtle errors to deceive clients and legal professionals, compromising the accuracy and integrity of transcriptions. Vigilance and verification are key to detection.

An imposter has infiltrated the stenography profession, deceiving industry professionals and clients while exploiting unpaid volunteers and engaging in unethical business practices. Reports link her to financial misconduct, organized crime, and intimidation tactics against whistleblowers. Additionally, she has issued dubious legal threats to silence critics. This scandal underscores the urgent need for industry reforms to safeguard the integrity of court reporting.